On Friday, March 25th, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, is scheduled to arrive in Warsaw, Poland’s capital city. The visit, which will last until Saturday evening, is expected to bring significant disruptions to the city’s traffic flow, particularly around the Chopin Airport and in the city center.
Traffic Restrictions Ahead
As Air Force One, carrying President Biden, is expected to land at Chopin Airport on Friday evening, Polish authorities will implement extensive security measures, leading to road closures and traffic diversions. Motorists should be prepared for congestion and restrictions on the roads leading to the airport, including Żwirki and Wigury Street, which will be closed to traffic.
On Saturday, major changes will be introduced in the city center, with traffic suspended on Jerozolimskie Avenue and Royal Route (Krakowskie Przedmieście – Ujazdowskie Avenue), as well as on adjacent streets. Additionally, changes may occur on Wisłostrada. In the evening, as the President’s convoy heads back to the airport, Żwirki and Wigury Street will be closed again.
Plan Your Route in Advance
The Warsaw Police recommend planning your route in advance to avoid the city center on Friday afternoon and Saturday. Motorists are advised to follow police instructions, and those of the State Protection Service and City Guard. Keep in mind that further changes to the traffic restrictions may be introduced, and additional streets may be closed due to operational decisions.
Changes to Public Transportation
Public transportation in Warsaw will also be affected, with significant changes to bus and tram routes. As streets are closed by the police, vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes, and their routes may be shortened. To minimize disruptions, it’s recommended to use the metro and trains. All ZTM (Warsaw Transit Authority) tickets, including those with discounts or free travel, will be honored on Koleje Mazowieckie trains.
Passengers with paper tickets should „validate” them by writing the date and time of travel on the back, in 24-hour format (e.g., 13.03.2022 06:55). Those with digital tickets should activate them before boarding the train or metro.
On Friday afternoon and Saturday, several dozen information staff will be on hand to assist passengers, providing guidance on the best available transportation options. Additionally, several dozen traffic inspectors will be working on the streets to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Stay up-to-date with the latest information on public transportation through the WTP website and social media channels, which will provide live updates from Warsaw’s streets: on Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm.
Remember to plan your journey in advance, and be prepared for potential disruptions to your daily routine.
